Online Support when Teacher goes Offline.

1. What kind of teachers did Margie and Tommy have? Did they like them?

The teachers of Margie and Tommy were different from the teachers of today. They were robotic teachers. They were confined to study rooms and thought mechanically. No, Margie and tommy did not like them.

2. Why was Margie not doing well in geography ? What did her mother do to help her?

Margie was not doing well in geography. Her performance was getting worse day by day. Her mother sent for the County Inspector to help her. He told that the geography sector in Margie’s mechanical teacher was geared up a little too quick.

3. Why did Margie hate school?

Margie never liked her school. It was monotonous for her. She had mechanical teachers and telebooks. She hated it now more than ever. Her mechanical teacher had been giving her test after test in geography and her performance was getting worse day by day.

4. How was the book that Tommy found different from his own books?

The book that Tommy found in the attic of his home was a real and old book. It was quite different from his telebooks. The old book was printed on paper and can be thrown after reading, but his telebooks read on the screen can be stored. It cannot be thrown and can be used whenever required.

5. When was Evelyn’s deafness confirmed? What advice was given to her?

Evelyn’s deafness was gradual. By the time she was eleven, her marks had deteriorated. Her teachers advised her parents to take her to a specialist. The specialist advised her that she should be fitted with hearing aids and sent to a school for the deaf.

6. What kind of recognition did Evelyn get at the Royal Academy of Music?

When Evelyn was seventeen, she joined the Royal Academy of Music. She scored the highest marks in the history of the academy. She was one of the most brilliant students of the academy and won many top awards during her three-year course.

7. How did Evelyn inspire the deaf children?

Evelyn is herself a deaf girl but her handicappedness never came in her way. She became a world renowned multi-percussionist. She is an inspiration for deaf children who say, ‘If she can do it, I can.’

8. What was her achievement? What did she say about it?

Evelyn worked hard with strong determination to learn music. She toured the United Kingdom by the time she was sixteen. She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music. At the end of three years she had captured most of the top awards. Evelyn says, “If you work hard and know where you are going. You’ll get there.”

9. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a Shehnai school in the USA?

Bismillah Khan was fond of Benaras and the holy river Ganga. He had many disciples from abroad too. One of his students wanted him to head a school in the United States. He refused to do so because he could not take the Ganga to the United States. He could never leave India.

10. How can you say that Bismillah Khan loved India and Benaras?

Bismillah Khan loved Benaras and the holy river Ganga. He could never think of leaving the two. He refused an offer from a student from the United Kingdom who wanted him to settle in the USA and head a school. He remarked that whenever he was in a foreign country he kept yearning to see India. It shows that he loved India especially Benaras.

11. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

With the opening of All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938, Bismillah Khan got a big break. He became an often heard Shehnai player on Radio. When India gained Independence on 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his Shehnai.

12. Why was Kezia afraid of her father?

Kezia was a little girl. She was afraid of her father. He was very strict. He had big hands and heavy face. He never played with her. He was a figure to be feared.

13. What was the morning routine of Kezia and her father?

Before going to his office, Kezia’s father used to visit Kezia in the room. He would give Kezia a casual kiss. She responded with “Goodbye, father”. Since she was afraid of him, she always felt relieved after his departure.

14. How did Kezia’s grandmother console her after she was punished by her father?

Kezia was punished by her father for tearing his important papers. Her grandmother wrapped her in a shawl after she was beaten by her father. Her grandmother gave her a hanky and sent her to her bed.

15. What did Kezia usually find when she wanted to interact with her parents?

Kezia’s grandmother used to send Kezia to her parents to talk to them. When she would go to the drawing room, she would find her mother reading some books and her father sleeping soundly and snoring.

16. Why did Einstein write a letter to Franklin Roosevelt?

Einstein was a peace-loving person. He feared that Nazis could make an atom bomb and use that against the United States. He wrote a letter to President Roosevelt warning against the approaching threat.

17. How did Einstein react to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Einstein knew that his invention would be misused. He was deeply shaken by the extent of destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He immediately wrote a letter to the United Nations and proposed the formation of a world government.

18. Why does the world remember Einstein as a World Citizen?

Einstein is remembered as a world citizen because he cared for the whole mankind. Using his popularity as a renowned person, he campaigned for world peace and democracy. People admired him for his good deeds.

19. What two important and earth-shaking decisions did the doctor take while he was looking into the mirror?

The doctor was an eligible bachelor. While he was looking into the mirror he took two important and earth-shaking decisions. He decided that he would shave daily and grow a thin moustache and would always keep an attractive smile on his face.

20. How did the doctor react when he encountered the snake?

The doctor encountered the snake which had landed on his shoulder. He was scared but showed a great presence of mind. He neither jumped nor cried. He sat on the chair holding his breath. His mind was active though his body was still.

21. Why could the doctor not sleep in his room? What did he do then?

The doctor lived in a rented room. It had no electricity. It was a hot summer night. He got up from his bed and went out to veranda. But he could not sleep there too. He tried to read a book but got no relief.

22. How did Abdul Kalam earn his first wages?

During the World War an emergency was declared. The stoppage of trains at Rameswaram was suspended. His cousin Samsuddin needed a helping hand who could catch the bundle at the station thrown from the train. Abdul offered his help and earned his first wages.

23. What characteristics did Abdul inherit from his parents?

Abdul’s parents were simple but full of wisdom. His father avoided all inessential comforts and luxuries. Abdul inherited honesty and self-discipline from his father and faith in goodness and deep kindness from his mother.

24. Why was the science teacher called a rebel?

Mr Sivasubramania, a science teacher, was a rebel of his own kind. He did not believe in social barriers. He held these barriers responsible for social division and communal hatred. He wanted to break all the social barriers.

25. How did George and Harris feel while packing ?

George and Harris were not good packers. They were nervous and excited. In excitement, they stepped on the things and messed up everything. They were in utter confusion. Jerome tried to help them when they got irritated.

26. How did Montmorency add to the confusion and chaos?

Montmorency, the dog, added to the confusion. He sat on the small things which were to be packed. George and Harris were already nervous. The acts of Montmorency confused and irritated them more.

27.  What did the narrator and his friends do after the packing was over?

All the three, Jerome, Harris and George, finished the packing by 12:50 in the night. It
was a very big task for them. Their bags were opened and reopened many a time due to
confusion. Ultimately they went to sleep to get up at 6:30 in the morning.

28. How was Santosh different from other girls in her village?


Santosh was different from other girls in her village. She was not contended with the traditional way of life. She had begun living a life on her own terms from the very beginning. She did not wear traditional Indian dresses meant for village girls.

29.. What decision Santosh had to take when she turned sixteen?

When Santosh turned sixteen, it was time for her to get married like other village girls. Most of the girls of her village got married when they turned sixteen. Her parents also pressed her for marriage. But Santosh refused to get married at an early age. She decided to continue her education.

30. What did her seniors think about Santosh’s ability as a climber?

Santosh was always appreciated by her seniors for her abilities and leadership qualities. They found her climbing skills, physical fitness and mental strength admirable. Her helping nature brought her very close to her fellow climbers.

31.  How did Maria react to humiliation and insults she faced during her training at Florida, the United States?

Maria was the youngest trainee. She was frequently ill treated and humiliated by her seniors. But she was never depressed. She became more determined and mentally tough. She learnt how to adjust herself in an adverse situation.

32. What shows that Maria was proud of being a Russian?

Maria Sharapova is a Russian. She spent most of her time in the United States. She speaks with a pronounced American accent but she feels proud of being a Russian. She declared that she was ready to represent Russia in Olympics.

33. How did the author’s wife react to the proposal of sending Bruno to Mysore?

The author’s wife was upset when she came to know about the proposal. She was very sad. She was not in a position to console herself. She wept and fretted. For a few days she refused to eat anything.

34. How did Bruno and the author’s wife react when they met at Mysore zoo?

The author’s wife went to see Bruno in the zoo at Mysore. When she was a few yards away from his cage, he recognised her. Baba howled with happiness. She also ran towards him and patted him within the cage.

35. Why was the police after the Intruder?

The Intruder was a criminal. He had murdered a policeman. He was being hunted by the police. This was the reason he intruded Gerrard’s cottage. He wanted to kill Gerrard and take his place.

36. Which of the two roads did the poet choose and why?

The poet had to choose one road out of the two similar looking roads. He chose the second road which was not taken yet. He wanted to do something different, so he chose the less travelled road.
‘Because it was grassy and wanted wear.’

 37. Why was the road ‘grassy and wanted wear’? Why did the poet choose it?

The road was grassy and wanted wear because it was not taken by many people. It was new for the poet. He chose this road because he wanted to do something that was not done before. He made a choice which was more challenging.

38. “And that had made all the difference.” What made all the difference in the poet’s life?

The poet had to make a choice between two roads. He took the one that was less travelled by. In other words he chose a more difficult path to life. His choice of the less travelled path made all the difference in his life.

39.  How does the poet describe the wind in the poem ‘Wind’?

The poet describes wind in two forms. One is fierce and violent that destroys everything. It is not friendly with the weak characters. It blows them out completely. The second form of wind is cool and slow. It brings comfort and happiness to the world.

40. According to the poet, what are the things which are destroyed by the wind?

According to the poet, the wind is not friendly with the weak characters. It troubles them more. It destroys their crumbling houses, doors, rafters, wood, bodies, lives, hearts and their crops.

41. How does the wind deal with the weaklings?

The wind makes fun of the weaklings. It teases them. It destroys the weaklings. The wind
winnows and crushes them. The weak are not able to withstand the power of the wind.

42. “And a thousand dreamy fancies into busy heart.” When does the ‘thousand dreamy fancies’ begin in the poet’s heart?

When it rains, the poet gets into the cosy cottage. He lies in his bed and listens to the patter of soft rain on the roof. He enjoys the melody of nature. While listening to the sound of rain, his mind is flooded with memories. A thousand dreamy fancies flood his mind.

43. ‘Now in memory comes my mother.’ When does the poet remember his mother? What does it show about him?

When the poet is in his cosy cottage and enjoys the melody of nature, many childhood memories emerge in his mind. The most touching image that comes to his mind, is of his mother. He remembers her and revives her old memories.

44. Write three things that the poet would like to do when he goes back to Innisfree.

Innisfree is a perfect little island that provides everything desired by the poet. The poet will build a small cabin of clay and fence. He will have nine rows of beans. He will also have a hive for the honeybees.

45. “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree.” Where does the poet want to go and why?

The poet wants to go to Innisfree which is a perfect island. The poet wants to go there because it will provide him with everything that he desires. He will get peace there.

46. “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow.” Where will the poet have some peace ? How?

The poet shall have some peace at Innisfree. He is the poet of nature. He shall enjoy the natural beauty. The songs of cricket, the row of beans, the beehives shall be a source of joy for him.

47. ‘You are too selfish to dwell in a human form.’ Who said this and to whom? Why did he say so?

Saint Peter said so to the old greedy woman who did not oblige the saint by giving him a cake. She was a selfish lady. She did not deserve to be called a human being.

48. How was the woman punished by St. Peter?

St. Peter found the lady too selfish. He said that she did not deserve food, shelter and fire to warm herself. She had disgraced womanhood. He punished her to teach her a lesson.

49. “We are told to hate our brothers.” How does it affect us?

The poet says that hatred pollutes our own air. When we hate others, we dispossess ourselves. We tend to betray and condemn ourselves. If we hate others, we defile our own earth. Hatred brings only destruction.

50. “It is ourselves that we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.” What does the poet convey?

The poet conveys that when we hate others, we hate ourselves. No men are foreigners, or strangers. We should not hate our brothers as they are like us in many ways. We should not wage a war against any country as we all are one.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ALL THE BEST >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A slumber did my spirit seal— 
I had no human fears. 
She seemed a thing that could not feel 
The touch of earthly years.

No motion has she now, no force— 
She neither hears nor sees, 
Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course 
With rocks and stones and trees.

1. Rhyme scheme - abab cdcd
2. Alliteration - The repetition of a consonant sound at the start of two or more consecutive words is called alliteration. The instances of alliteration are as follows - 
‘Spirit sealed’, ‘rolled round’

3. Enjambment - when a sentence continues into two or more lines ending without any punctuation marks, it is called Enjambment. The instances of enjambment are as follows - 
“She seemed a thing that could not feel
The touch of earthly years.”

“Rolled round in earth’s diurnal course
With rocks and stones and trees.”

The poet admits that he was in a sort of a deep sleep because he did not fear the harsh reality of life. He had taken life for granted and had never thought that one day death could separate him from his beloved Lucy. For him she was like an immortal goddess who was unaffected by age and mortality. 
As she is dead, she lies motionless. She cannot hear or see. She has been buried in the earth and rotates along with the Earth. One day she will get assimilated with the trees, rocks and stones that are a part of the earth.

1. “A slumber did my spirit seal,” says the poet. That is, a deep sleep ‘closed off ’ his soul (or mind). How does the poet react to his loved one’s death? Does he feel bitter grief ? Or does he feel a great peace?

2. The passing of time will no longer affect her, says the poet. Which lines of the poem say this?

3. How does the poet imagine her to be, after death? Does he think of her as a person living in a very happy state (a ‘heaven’)? Or does he see her now as a part of nature? In which lines of the poem do you find your answer?

Along the sand
he lay until observed
and chased away, and now
he vanishes in the ripples
among the green slim reeds.

In this poem, a harmless green - coloured snake tries to save itself from being hit by a person who is chasing it with a stick to kill it. The poet says that the snake is harmless even to children. People fear snakes and when they see one, they try to kill it with a stick. The snake tries to save itself and hides behind the green - coloured bushes of marshy plants growing in the water. It hides in the ripples of the water body in order to save itself. The snake disappears behind the marshy plants.

1. What is the snake trying to escape from?

2. Is it a harmful snake? What is its colour?

3. The poet finds the snake beautiful. Find the words he uses to convey its beauty.

4. What does the poet wish for the snake?

5. Where was the snake before anyone saw it and chased it away? Where does the snake disappear?

It takes much time to kill a tree, 
Not a simple jab of the knife 
Will do it. It has grown 
Slowly consuming the earth, 
Rising out of it, feeding 
Upon its crust, absorbing 
Years of sunlight, air, water, 
And out of its leprous hide 
Sprouting leaves.

So hack and chop 
But this alone won't do it. 
Not so much pain will do it. 
The bleeding bark will heal 
And from close to the ground 
Will rise curled green twigs, 
Miniature boughs 
Which if unchecked will expand again 
To former size.

No, 
The root is to be pulled out — 
Out of the anchoring earth; 
It is to be roped, tied, 
And pulled out — snapped out 
Or pulled out entirely, 
Out from the earth-cave, 
And the strength of the tree exposed 
The source, white and wet, 
The most sensitive, hidden 
For years inside the earth.

Then the matter 
Of scorching and choking 
In sun and air, 
Browning, hardening, 
Twisting, withering, 
And then it is done.

  

“On Killing a Tree” is a sensitive poem. The poet persuades the reader not to destroy trees and equates it with “killing” a human being. He says that a plant takes sunlight, water, air and nutrients from the soil to gradually become a huge tree. It develops a strong trunk and gets numerous leaves. 
Merely cutting the trunk of the tree does not kill it. When a tree is cut, the sap flows out just like a wounded man bleeds. Once the wound heals, new branches and tiny leaves grow from there which grow into trees.
In order to destroy a tree, it has to be uprooted. The roots which are white in colour and are damp due to the moisture that they get from the soil are hidden in a pit in the Earth. These roots are the most sensitive part of the tree as they bind it to the earth. In order to kill the tree, these roots have to be detached from the soil.
Once the roots are detached, the tree starts dying, It withers, dries up with the action of heat and wind, twists, hardens and finally, dies.

1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?

2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.

3. What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed?

4. The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?

5. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?

6. What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”?

7. What finally kills the tree?

The poem elaborates the desire of a duck confined within the limits of the pond to go beyond and travel the world like the kangaroo did. The duck requests the kangaroo to take it on a trip and find a solution to the problems which the kangaroo would face.

I
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo,
“Good gracious! how you hop!
Over the fields and the water too,
As if you never would stop!
My life is a bore in this nasty pond,
And I long to go out in the world beyond!
I wish I could hop like you!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

II
“Please give me a ride on your back!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.
“I would sit quite still, and say nothing but ‘Quack’,
The whole of the long day through!
And we’d go to the Dee, and the Jelly Bo Lee,
Over the land, and over the sea;
Please take me a ride! O do!”
Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

III

IV
Said the Duck, “As I sat on the rocks,
I have thought over that completely,
And I bought four pairs of worsted socks
Which fit my web-feet neatly.
And to keep out the cold I’ve bought a cloak,
And every day a cigar I’ll smoke,
All to follow my own dear true
Love of a Kangaroo!”

V

1. Rhyme scheme 
Stanza 1 - ababccaa 
Stanza 2 - ababccbb 
Stanza 3, 4, 5 - ababccdd

2. Alliteration - The repetition of a consonant sound at the start of two or more closely placed words. 
a) Good gracious- ‘g’ 
b) how you hop - ‘h’ 
c)  sit quite still, and say - ‘s’ 
d) But to balance- ‘b’ 
e) dear duck - ‘d’ 
f) whole world - ‘w’

3. Anaphora- When the same word is used at the start of 2 or more consecutive lines. 
Instances of anaphora in the poem are as follows - 
a) And to keep out the cold I’ve bought a cloak, 
And every day a cigar I’ll smoke,

b) And they hopped the whole world three times round; 
And who so happy — O who, 
Both the pairs of sentences begin with ‘and’.

4. Refrain- the use of a musical rhyming sentence throughout the poem. “Said the duck to the kangaroo” has been repeated to lay stress on the request made by the duck to the kangaroo.

5. Enjambment - When the same sentence continues in two or more lines. 
Instances of enjambment in the poem are as follows - 
a) “And I bought four pairs of worsted socks 
Which fit my web-feet neatly.”

b) “All to follow my own dear true 
Love of a Kangaroo!”